Add security information to your Microsoft account

Overview

This page describes how to add security information to your Microsoft account. Security information consists of an email address and/or phone number that you provide to us, which we use to verify your identity.

Add security information from your computer or other Internet-enabled device

On the Home page, go to Security & privacy, and then select Change password & more.

You may be asked to verify that you are the account owner by receiving a security code via text or email and then entering it online.

Select Add a new email address or Add a new phone number. Then follow the directions provided to add and verify your new security information.

You'll also receive a notification at your existing email address or phone number. This is a precaution in case someone else made the change. If that happens, you can cancel the change by following the instructions you receive with your notification.

Only one contact method is required, but we strongly encourage you to include both an email address and a phone number, in case you later lose access to one or the other.

Add security information when you create your account

When you create a new Microsoft account, whether via your Xbox console or online, you’re asked to add security information such as a phone number and/or email address.

When you do so, you’ll receive a security code at the phone number or email address you provided. Though you have a few days to enter the security code, we recommend that you enter the code and verify your identity right away.

If you do so, your security information will be available to use immediately if you forget your password or your account is compromised. If you don’t verify it right away, and you forget your password before you verify it, for example, the security information won’t be available to help you recover your account.